Kari was having none of it.


    True to her word, Kari became a stubborn houseguest over the weekend, ande Monday, she showed no signs of leaving for school. Instead, she fixed Ronald with a determined stare, silently demanding he cave to her wishes. Ronald frowned, "It''s Monday."


    Time to head back to school.


    But Kari wouldn''t budge, "You''reing with me."


    Ronald squatted down to her level, "Kari, I can''t go back with you."


    Wi had been kind to him, and he couldn''t drag her down with him.


    The standoff continued until Ronald, with a scowl, escorted Kari back home, practically pushing her into school. Wi, guessing at Kari''s intentions, caught Ronald before he could leave.


    "Ronald, I''ve spoken to thendlord and got us a small three-bedroom ce. You''reing to live with us," Wi offered.


    Her genuine care for Ronald was evident, despite knowing the struggle of supporting two kids as a single mother. She couldn''t stand by and watch Ronald throw away his future.


    "I"


    "I''ve spoken with the school. The schrship offer still stands," Wi took Ronald''s hand, her voice firm yet gentle. "The entrance exams areing up. You need to focus on acing them. If you feel guilty, secure that schrship. Then you can help out with the grocery bills. Deal?"


    Ronald was at a loss for words.


    Wi, using a mix of emotional and logical persuasion and evoking Kari''s future, finally got Ronald to agree, "I''ll do my best."


    Relieved, Wi insisted, "You better aim for that schrship!"


    Ronald nodded solemnly.


    From that day, Ronald moved in with the Malone family. Kari was overjoyed, keeping a close eye on Ronald''s studies, wary of him reconsidering school.


    Wi''s decision to take in Ronald stirred up some gossip, but she was used to it. It was Ronald who ended up in a fight with some naysayers.


    He was lean but surprisingly strong, holding his own against multiple opponents.


    When Wi and Kari arrived, they found Ronald with a dark expression, "If you ever speak ill of Wi again, I''ll deal with you every single time!" Ronald''s punches were fierce, leaving the bullies whimpering on the ground.


    Back home,


    face, W seeing the cuts on hisRêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    was heartbroken,


    worked up?" Content belolet


    boy, they''re just words. Why


    "You''re a good person."


    Ronald


    Ben''t see his actions as


    wrong.


    his


    V SO


    a and her daughter havet


    been incredibly kind to him; it was duty to protect them.


    Wi had Kari help with his wounds, then she went to make three bowls of chicken noodle soup.


    The gossipers kept quiet after that.


    Ronald doubled down on his studies, and soon, the entrance exams were upon them.


    The night before, Wi prepared a feast, wishing Ronald luck.


    Gratefully, Ronald epted.


    During the three days of exams, Ronald was fully focused.


    Afterwards, he secretly took up a construction job, telling Wi and Kari he was off to study.


    Earning a day''s pay, he came home exhausted and bruised but never cked off or missed a day.


    In mid-July, the exam results were announced.


    Ronald, taking a day off, and an excited Kari rushed to the local inte café to check the results online. Kari was a bundle of nerves.


    Ronald, trying to appear unfazed,


    bought her a trendy bubble tea,


    spending a hefty sum, iming


    Sworth it.


    "Bro, aren''t you nervous?"


    Kari''s hands were sweaty with anticipation.


    Ronald, though nervous, wouldn''t let it show, maintaining a cool demeanor.


    "It''s all in fate''s hands."